Last summer, I decided to explore Christian History, and to do so, I utilized the resources available at the Christian History Institute website. I journeyed through the modules on their webpage, learning about different eras in Christian history from the early believers and saints to modern preachers and evangelists. Although I initially did this out of my interest and curiosity, I soon came to the recognition that knowing Christian History has numerous other benefits. Unfortunately, among young-adult Christians who are active with their faith, there is a frightening lack of knowledge as it pertains to Christian History. Now my experience is coming directly from my engagement in evangelical Protestant circles, but the content of what I am saying is applicable for everyone. There is a tremendous benefit to knowing the history of the church, and that understanding may be useful in times such as these.
One of my favorite podcasters, Abraham Hamilton III of The Hamilton Corner, often exhorts believers to know “our family history.” Anyone who has believed in Christ has joined the family of God, and the Bible states that through God’s amazing love, they are now “called the sons of God.” Therefore, learning about Christian History is simply knowing of brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before. And just like there is a benefit to knowing one’s earthly family history, there is a benefit to knowing one’s spiritual family history.
First, an understanding of Christian History gives a greater perspective on one’s faith. It is very easy to lose perspective on the faith that we share with many who have gone before. It is easy to get caught up with the issues and controversies of the day and believe that we are the first to experience such troubles. The reality often is the church has stood against a myriad of foes and has triumphed over and over again, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom imparted through Scripture. Understanding Christian History gives several lessons about daily living to modern believers. The history of the church helps move our gaze away from ourselves, and instead focus on God’s sustaining power and providence. It may encourage us to take up certain spiritual disciplines or meditate on certain passages of Scripture. Furthermore, understanding church history can help contextualize our current faith, and drive us to action in our various spheres of service. Second, Christian History enables a greater understanding of theology through exposure to different heroes and thinkers of the faith. Christianity is not about (and never has been) about blind faith. There are a many thinkers, philosophers, and theologians who all contributed to both the spread of Christianity, as well as the apologetic of Christianity. I think exposure to historical heroes of the faith, such as Justin Martyr, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Anselm of Canterbury, and Martin Luther can only be beneficial for the modern believer. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained by reading their works, and an increase in wisdom as believers encounter the arguments and hopefully draw closer to God through them. Engaging with heroes of the faith may also help modern believers strengthen or modify their own beliefs on controversial issues that are unclear. For example, there are many heroes of the faith that I may disagree with. Yet, in reading their writings, I may understand their point clearer, or understand the nuance with which they wrote. Knowing church history also prepares believers for the many challenges and arguments which have come against the church. For example, one may learn about Athanasius, and in the process, understand the major Christological heresies that he opposed. These are all benefits that arise from exposure to the great Christian thinkers and leaders of the past.
Third, Christian History encourages believers in the present age to persevere through their trials and struggles. The Christian life is not one of comfort and ease, but rather one that is accompanied by suffering. The New Testament preaches consistently on the Christian expectation of suffering in the world but also teaches of the hope and glory that is to come in heaven. Similarly, Christian history gives a stark contrast of the hope and joy in belief with the pain and suffering of life. The majority of believers that lived in the nascent years of the church suffered martyrdom as a result of their belief. Yet the stories of these very believers are incredibly encouraging and empowering for modern believers. For me personally, the stories of Polycarp, and also Perpetua were encouraging as I read about their faith and how they clung to Christ despite the suffering that awaited them. The history of the church is filled with such accounts. These can provide great encouragement for modern believers as we undergo our trials and sufferings, and these saints can be models of faith that we look up to.
Knowing our spiritual family history is important. There is a legacy of faith stretching throughout history, and there is a great deal of knowledge and wisdom that is to be gained by studying it. Church history is something that the modern young believer ought to explore, and I hope that in exploring the history of the faith, more believers come to a closer knowledge of their Savior.
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